The Pan-European Strategic Framework for Greening the Economy

About the Strategic Framework

The Pan-European Strategic Framework for Greening the Economy provides a platform for a coordinated approach to a green and inclusive economy across member States of the pan-European region.

It envisions the countries of the pan-European region pursuing a development pattern that ensures economic progress, social equity and the sustainable use of ecosystems and natural resources, so as to meet the needs of present and future generations.

The Strategic Framework builds on policy efforts to implement the outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in addition to the knowledge base and good practices developed in the region. And it is meant to support countries of the region in their efforts to achieve the SDGs and their targets.

The Pan-European Strategic Framework for Greening the Economy was developed by the UNECE Committee on Environmental Policy with support from UNECE and UNEP, and in cooperation with other key players on green economy in the region, such as OECD and EEA. It was adopted by the Committee on Environmental Policy and endorsed by UNECE ministers at the Eighth Environment for Europe (EfE) Ministerial Conference, held in Batumi, Georgia, from 8 to 10 June 2016.

The Strategic Framework at a glance

The Strategic Framework proposes a common vision and three objectives (O), which are further detailed through nine focus areas (FA).

Vision: Green economy, as an approach to redirect consumption habits, investments and trade to foster economic progress that is socially inclusive and decoupled from environmental degradation, is a promising avenue to achieve sustainable development in the region and beyond.
	O.I: Reduced environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
	FA.1: Improve the measurement and valuation of natural capital Natural capital accounting provides a system to mainstream the value of natural resources into development planning and national economic accounts.
	FA.2: Promote the internalization of negative externalities and the sustainable use of natural capital Green economy considers the cost of economic activities on natural capital (directly and indirectly) and takes actions to ensure that any loss or damage to natural capital is accounted for and internalized by setting the right price signals.
	FA.3: Enhance ecosystems and ecosystem services as part of ecological infrastructure Green economy values the services of ecosystems that can be recognized by the functions they provide — e.g., water purification, flood control and climate stabilization by forests — as ecological infrastructure.
	O.II: Enhanced economic progress.
	FA.4: Shift consumer behaviours towards sustainable consumption patterns Green economy seeks to influence consumption patterns so that they become more sustainable and equitable. Green economy defines green services and products (labels and standards) and promotes shifting to sustainable lifestyles.
	FA.5: Develop clean physical capital for sustainable production patterns Green economy strengthens clean and resource-efficient production processes and infrastructure by promoting green knowledge and technology, and introduces green products and services through the application of the principles of reuse, repair, upgrade, remanufacture and recycle.
	FA.6: Promote green and fair trade Green economy ensures that traded products respect the requirements of green and fair trade.
	O.III: Improved human well-being and social equity.
	FA.7: Increase green and decent jobs, while developing the necessary human capital Green economy helps to create green and decent jobs and ensures the necessary education and training for the workforce to develop skills needed for those jobs.
	FA.8: Improve access to services, healthy living and well-being Green economy supports healthy living and well-being, including for low-income and vulnerable groups.
	FA.9: Promote public participation and education for sustainable development Green economy promotes access to information and public participation in decision-making as a prerequisite for meaningful green and sustainable governance.